Rocky Actor, Carl Weathers, Passes Away Peacefully at Age 76
Carl Weather, best known for his iconic roles in Rocky and Predator, died on February 1, 2024. He was 76.
As part of the Rocky cast, Carl Weathers played Rocky Balboa’s adversary, Apollo Creed. His character eventually became Rocky’s boxing mentor across the movie’s many installments.
His family shared the sad news in an official statement, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers. He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024.”
“Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts, and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.”
Carl, a former professional football player, shot to fame when he played the role of Apollo Creed, the world’s heavyweight champion in Rocky (1976). He then reprised his character in Rocky II, released in 1979, where he had a title rematch with Rocky.
He was also cast in Rocky III, released in 1982, where he was matched with Clubber Lang, played by Mr. T, and then finally in Rocky IV in 1984, where the life of his character ended in the ring when he was killed by Ivan Drago, played by Dolph Lundgren, a Russian heavyweight.
Carl’s Apollo Creed character was one of the reasons why the movie’s spin-off series, Creed, was created. The new production features Adonis Creed, played by Michael B. Jordan, Apollo’s secret son who shares the same passion for boxing.
Carl previously admitted that he slandered Sylvester’s acting skills during his audition. Carl said, “There was nobody to read with, and they said you’re going to read with the writer [Stallone].”
Recalling his experience that landed him the role, he narrated, “And we read through the scene, and at the end of it, I didn’t feel like it had really sailed, that the scene had sailed, and they were quiet and there was this moment of awkwardness, I felt, anyway.”
The actor then blurted, “I could do a lot better if you got me a real actor to work with.” Carl admitted that he insulted the lead actor without intending to and without sufficient knowledge about his co-star.
Sylvester took everything in stride and the rest is history.
Carl is survived by his two sons, Jason and Matthew, whom he shared with Mary Ann Castle, his ex-wife. He also leaves behind grandchildren.
The Predator actor who played Colonel Al Dillon was married three times, although all of them ended in divorce. He was married to Mary Ann from 1973 to 1983, Rhona Unsell from 1984 to 2006, and Jennifer Peterson from 2007 to 2009.
Born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Carl had always been active in sports. He played football at Long Beach College in 1966. He then transferred to San Diego State University and played for the school after he moved from Long Beach College due to an ankle injury.
Carl received his master’s in theatre arts at San Diego State. In 1970, he signed as a free agent with Oakland Riders and played seven games until 1970. He was released by the team a year later.
Other notable films that Carl starred in are Bucktown (1975), Friday Foster (1975), and Hurricane Smith (1992).
